Photo from Plaza Level, view of Gant South Tower. Image: S.J. Shea-Crabb, UConn
Image: Jasper Sanidad
The northern elevation features extensive glazing, which opens up visually and physically to a landscaped quad.
Natural plantings will be used throughout the landscaped portion of the project in order to alleviate unnecessary
use of water. Image: TVA Architects

“What is to be done about Gant?” Many colleges and universities with aging
science facilities are asking similar questions.
The Edward V. Gant complex, in this case,
is a 282,000 gsf education and research
laboratory complex on the main campus of the
University of Connecticut. Built in the 1970s,
Gant has provided 40 years of useful service
in a “workhorse” structure. Over time, the
building has become worn and dated; what
was once a state-of-the-art facility has now
become one with outdated and antiquated
building infrastructure. Mechanical and
electrical systems are unable to meet the
demands of modern science. The complex is
difficult to maintain. Energy performance is
woefully inadequate. The existing condition of
Gant is not sustainable and must be addressed.

Noah A. Rollins, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

When considering new space to house cutting-edge technologies and research, the allure of a
sophisticated new building is strong.

Like new pencils in September, starting
completely anew rather than using existing
assets represents a fresh start and can be
seductive. A confluence of factors, however,
warrants a fresh look at finding appropriate
reuses for existing, and sometimes aging,
legacy buildings.

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

The days have passed where it is a foregone
conclusion that a new building is the economically feasible decision. Land, materials
and construction labor costs across nearly all
non-residential markets have steadily increased
following the myriad of global financial crises.